A bookshelf dilemma: M-Audio BX8a vs. Klipsch RB-51

So, I figured we need some new everyday-use speakers for our apartment. Been looking at what's available in the vincity, and had it pretty much boiled down to a pair of M-Audio BX8as. However, I've come across some good-as-new Klipsch RB-51s for a very reasonable price, and now I'm not so sure.

Comparisons? Comments?

The apartment is pretty small, and, the neighbours considering, we won't be cranking up the volume very often. Still, it's always nice to have the opportunity, and I'm not puritan about getting 'clean' sound; it it's any help, my favourite cans are Grados. Depth and a good bass/treble mix counts for more.

I'm also hoping to avoid investing in a sub, at least for now. Read that the Klipsch speakers are a good alternative in this respect, going pretty deep.

What do you think? I'm pretty set on one of these two, but if anyone has some amazing experiences to share in the sub-$300 category, feel free to share.

Alright, thanks for the feedback.

The only amp in my possession atm is an old Kenwood - which has served me well, mind - but it's pretty bulky and perhaps not the best for this kind of project. I could always sell a kidney and raise two-three hundred bucks for a new amp, but don't think I want to dish out more than that. Any good suggestinons for a sub-$300 amp to go with the BX8s? Preferably small enough to suit the speakers.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jilgiljongiljing 

BX8's are active. They have amplification built in. All you need is a source and you plug that into XLR or Banana or RCA and you are all set. The only drawback is the lack of a remote control for volume changes unless your source is the PC and  you can control volume there using a remote for the PC. But if its a CDP, then you are outta luck. I am not sure if a pre amp will work with a BX8a.

I must've gotten it backwards somewhere, thought the Klipsch were the active ones. Thanks for clarifying. It's too bad if the RX8s have issues, but then again, these are one of very few sets I can buy locally, which makes the guarantee easier to handle in case I experience problems. The KRKs look nice though. Choices, choices.